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Fine Motor Development Activities for Young Children

Jun 25, 2010 | By Kelly Boyer

Teachers (and parents) play a crucial role in enhancing the development of fine motor skills in young preschool children.

Fine motor development is defined as the building of the small muscles located in the fingers (index, middle, and thumb) and wrists. Without the correct development of these skills, children can find everyday tasks to be difficult resulting in frustration and low self-esteem.

Preschool teachers build the foundation required to help children become proficient in these areas, which are needed for proper growth. It is important for teachers to create activities that captivate children’s interest and keep them engaged in learning. This article is to help teachers discover fun ways to enhance fine motor development.

Activities for Young Preschool Children

When beginning, children need to start with simpler fine motor activities. The goal with the simpler tasks is to build strength in the fingers and wrists while developing eye coordination. Teachers can help strengthen these muscles through various activities.

Tying knots in string is a great fine motor activity for younger preschool children. The repetitive motion helps prevent fatigue in the fingers and wrists, which will aid in more difficult activities. Teachers can tape the string to either the wall or table depending on level of development. Those children whose muscles become quickly fatigued should have the string taped to the table. The table can be used as a support system for tired hands. As children’s fine motor skills become more controlled, teachers can also teach children how to braid the string.

Another activity that can strengthen the muscles used for fine motor skills is the use of clothespins. The resistance and repetitive motion caused by the opening and closing, helps build stamina that will reduce fatigue. Teachers should set out objects on the table that can be picked up while using the clothespins. Some great examples of these objects are:

Cotton balls

Q-tips

Small pieces of fabric

Teachers can also use children’s chopsticks as a substitute to clothespins. However, children’s chopsticks are more challenging to use than clothespins. Teachers must understand that children who are experiencing difficulties with their fine motor skills may become frustrated and agitated if they cannot perform the task correctly.

Children love stickers and tape. One way teachers can enhance fine motor development is by allowing children to stick and peal off masking tape from tables. If tables are unavailable, a sticking and pealing wall can be created. Using a white board will make it easier for the removal of masking tape and can be placed on the wall. Teachers should also encourage children to bring in their own stickers to use for this activity to make learning fun, It will help encourage engagement by those children who are not as interested.

Advanced Activities for Preschool Children

Lacing helps to improve fine motor development. Teachers can have children lace macaroni or cereal to create beautiful necklaces and bracelets. This requires children to not only use their fingers and wrists, but helps promote eye coordination as well. Teachers should encourage parents bring in old shoes. Children can attempt to lace and tie shoes which helps develop fine motor skills needed to perform future functional tasks. Children will be exposed to more everyday activities and will understand the importance of mastering these skills.

Some other activities and tools that teachers should always have readily available are:

Play dough and silly putty

Lacing boards

Play clothes that require buttoning and zipping

Board games

Scissors and writing tools

Allowing children access to these materials at all times during free play encourages them to be creative. They will be able to practice fine motor skill development without having to follow a guided activity.

There are many activities that that teachers can create that will help children enhance their fine motor skills. The key is to focus on proper development through fun and encouraging activities. It is important for teachers to remember that development takes place at different times in children. Patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement help when developing fine motor skills.

About the author:Kelly Boyer is a freelance writer and former teacher, with Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. She has extensive experience in the educational field, where some of her specialties include helping needy families, working with children who have behavioral problems, and community outreach.Click here to contact or read more articles by Kelly Boyer.